Fulkerson, R. R.

English

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The Linacre QuarterlyVolume 19 | Number 1 Article 62-1-1952Book Review of Marriage, Morals and Medical Ethics,by F. L. Good, and Otis F. KellyR. R. FulkersonFollow this and additional works at: https://epublications.marquette.edu/lnqPart of the Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, and the Medicine and Health SciencesCommonsRecommended CitationFulkerson, R. R. (1952) "Book Review of Marriage, Morals and Medical Ethics, by F. L. Good, and Otis F. Kelly," The Linacre Quarterly:Vol. 19 : No. 1 , Article 6.Available at: https://epublications.marquette.edu/lnq/vol19/iss1/628 'l'HE LINACllE QUAJl'l'EHLY Marriage, Morals and Medical Ethics by F. L. Gooo, M. D., L. L. D.REv. Ons F. KELLY, M. D.Book Re-view by ReY. B. R. Fulkerson, S. /., Associate Professor of Religion, St. Louis UniYersity A�1 ideal cowbi11ation of authors has collaborated 011 a uew book eutitle<ltfn;riage, Morals <�nd Medica� Ethics. This book of 202 pages, edited by· · Kenedy & Sons and costmg $8.50, is co-authored by the Rev. Otis F.Kelly, M.D. and Frederick L. Good, M.D." �ust b.e!�re th: tabl: of contents the authors have this introductory note:. Tins �vork 1s a discussion of medico-moral problems in matrimony confront­'.ng priests, physicians, nurses, social workers, hospital administrators, and all those who need responsible information It is based on tlie 1 f h · ong experi-ence -0 t e authors, and they have attempted to express themselves in alanguage that can be understood by the unitiated in regard to medicalmatters and by the physician in regard to theology."Anyone read_ ing this book can do so with a feeJ 1·11g of f d sa ety and confi-e�ce, because if ever two men possessed the competence and authority to write a �ook and to present Catholic teaching on a subject, these authorspossess it . To quote from the jacket of the book "Father Otis F K 11,M.D. , is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bos�on a doctor of m.ed· e_ ) ' and a ps h. t . t H . ' ICrne. ye ia ris · e 1s a member of the American Medical Association:memb_er of the �assachusetts Medical Society, fellow and life member of th�American Psycl'.1atric Association, and the New England Society of Psychia­try, consultant m Psychiatry to the Matrimonial Bureau of the A Id" of B t d p re 1 10cescTl oshon, an astor of St. Zepherin's church, Cochituate, l\Iassachusetts.1e ot er author, Dr. Frederick L. Good M D  LLD · · chief G . ' · ·, · · ·, is a surgeon-m-, ynecolog1cal and Obstetrical service Boston Cit H ·t 1 1 aut in G nee 1 . . ' y osp1 a ' consu t-. Y o ogy and Obstetrics m the Matrimonial Tribunal of th B t Archd10cese Pr f E . e os on'. o essor mentus of Obstetrics, Tufts College Medical School � f�rmeBr instructor in Gynecology, Harvard. He is a Diplomate of th ·encan Oard of Obstetrics and Gynecology and fello,v 1· th A · ' , n e merica11THE LINACRE QC"AHTERLY 29 College of Surgeons. He was awarded the Benemerenti medal in 1948, by Pope Pius XII, and given an honorary L.L.D. by Boston College in the same year." 0This book, by these eminently qualified men, not only has the imprimatur of Archbishop R. J. Cushing of Boston, but the Archbishop has himself written the foreword. And now to get down to the content of the book. The first chapter, entitled, "The Christian Concept of )Iatrimony," is a fairly brief presenta­tion of some of the Catholic Church's teachings and laws on marriage. This is followed by a chapter l1eaded, "A Few F\mdamental Principles of Moral­ity." Again, there is presented some of the principles or norms used by theologians and philosophers to decide the morality or immorality of actions that touch some of the areas of medico-moral-marriage problems. The next chapter, called "Sexual Constitution," is a splendid piece of work. It deals with sex from the beginning of the individual's life to old age. This is followed quite p.aturally by a chapter headed "Normal Concep­tion, Pregnancy, and Labor." One could not ask for a more lucid and delicate treatment of these subjects. Chapters five and six cons�der "Complications of Pregnancy" and "Other Pertinent Conditions ." Here is given the physical picture of the more frequent or more difficult cases on which a priest must give moral decisi-Ons. These complicated situations are explained very clearly and are couched in termsas simple as possible . So good a job is done here that I hope some fewimprudent priests are not so elated by the medical information obtained that they be misled into playing the doctor and abandoning the role of theologian. But in these chapters the authors themselves did their duty well. The next chapter takes up "The Regulation of Conception." The subjects covered deal with rhythm, fertility, and infertility, artificial insemination, the RH factor, contraceptives, abstinence, sterilization and abortions . This matter is treated well and is very up to date.There follows then a chapter called "About· Psychiatry." A great amount is attempted in a fairly small space. It would be good if the ideas were somewhat more clearly related to the problem of marriage, but tl1is chaptercontains much useful matter and is clear in the relation of Psychiatry and the Church.Chapter nine then deals with "Medical Examination and Testimony forEcclesiastical Matrimonial Court Procedure." Here the reader will find muchworthwhile information. Particularly enlightening are the factors involvedin ascertaining the physical elements that might lead to annulments and tothe dissolving of the marriage bond. The closing c h a p t er of the book treats of "Baptism and Extreme Unction." This is a good refresher on these two yital sacraments. Owing to 30 THE LINACRE QUARTERLY the fact that pregnancies are so linked with matters of life and death, the chapter contains very necessary knowledge for those who have the care or supervision of the beginning and end of human life. I would like now to make some suggestions and recommendations that might be considered before a new edition of the book appears, for I am sure that the sale of this fine book will demand another edition. It would be most useful if a clear summary and concise statements be given of the pertinent moral principles and the position of the Church on the matter covered in each chapter whenever that is possible. Moreover, a glossary of medical and theological and moral terms is necessary. Most of all-the book lacks an index. This makes it difficult for reference. Almost everything necessary is somewhere in the book, but what you want, here and now, is difficult to find quickly due to the very disconcerting lack of an index. At times it seems to me that the authors take more pains to see that the medical phase of the book is made clearer than the theological. The physical case and the medical terms are very nicely spelled out, but the moral an theological angle is at times hurried over. The term Hydramnios is no more formidable to people than is the term "indirect" abortion or "indirect' sterilization. I have found this true of both clergy and laity, Catholic ani non-Catholic. As one purpose of the book is to present and apply thf Church's moral teachings on medical and marital problems, the reader, la) and clerical, might find himself wishing for a fuller, more adequate anc obvi?us explanation of such matters as the double effect principle, scandal. cooperation, etc. He might also find himself desiring at times a clearer anc. more cogent proof for the position of the Church's theologians. Undoubtedly the very important principle of the double effect (to tak: one example of a principle so widely used in medico-moral fields), couk have been treated more fully and exemplified more diversely and minutely. For many years I have been teaching this and the other medico-moral que tions to nurses, hospital nuns, premedics, doctors, married couples and priests. And I have found th�t these are hard, hard concepts to teach and t 1 grasp. I'm_ afraid the reader would have to fall back on other books, in som� cases, to get a clear understanding of things. I suggest tliat in the new editiqn the chapter called "A Few Fundamental Principles of Morality" be improved and enlarged. Then later in the book when these principles a1 e applied to concrete cases, like fibroid tumors, etc., that they be applied mo1e obviously and conclusively and being seen in action, can be better grasped -and used later by a smart reader.Another instance of where a bit too much is taken for granted: On page74 when speaking of abortions and the fifth commandment, the authors state that "No one will argue that human life does not exist in the fetus in utero." To the contrary, many people in the medical, judicial and lay areas, do THE LINACRE QU,\F,TERLY 31 question this fact. Moreover, many moderns deny that direct abortion ( and direct sterilization) are wrong and also think that Catholics are merely quibbling and possibly hypocritical, when for serious reasons and under the fulfilled conditions of the double effect principle, they admit the legitimacy of indirect abortions ( and indirect sterilizations). Today, in dealing with these controversial problems, it is necessary not only to cite the Church's position, but also to give solid proofs, especially from reason, that the position is a sound one. And this, for the benefit of Catholic and non-Catholic. Moreover, in the face of a critical non-Catholic world and a "show me" attitude of so many twentieth century Catholics, great care must be taken to define terms, to state not only moral principles and positions, but to establish them fully and then elaborate their valid applications. An instance of the great need of this was shown when our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, recently spoke on marriage and its allied problems in an address-"The Apostolate of the Midwife." Some of his statements were greatly misunderstood by the press and general public. As a result, in an address on family life, about two weeks later he wisely returned to his former speech and proceeded to minutely clarify some of his previous .pronouncements, especially those concerning abortions, rhythm and so forth. When once such subjects are introduced, they must be fully treated. Now this book, Morals, Marriage and Medical Ethics, is going to be carefully scrutinized. I noticed that only recently a weekly news magazine quoted this volume as the ultimate authority on a specific and delicate point. Such a book as this one, written by two such eminent authors, is going to be widely used and quoted, and so must establish its case thoroughly. Like it or not, the modern mind demands-"What do you hold and why do you hold it?" In the chapter dealing with "Sexual Constitution," there is stated on page 50 that: "Sex education in the schools, if it be given at all, should be given in conjunction with a course in physiology." Many who are touchy about this subject of sex and the schools migl1t be misled by this opinion. One can well agree that sex education may be given in a course on physiology, but there are actually other courses equally appropriate. An obvious course for the giving of education in sex and chastity is the religion course proper, or in college, a special ethics course, or one on marriage and matrimony. I do not think the authors would disagree, but their statement could well be misleading. In conclusion, let me say that no one knows better than I, who have Worked and taught in this field, how welcome this new book is. It is written by the ideal combination-an eminent and capable doctor and a Catholic priest, who is also a doctor. The criticism I give is looking toward the new edition �nd is based on my many years of teaching this type of matter, and82 THE ,LINACRE QUARTERLY my struggle to put the ideas across and get the perfect book for those to whomI_ happen to be lecturing. Great credit is due the two men who took the�1me from their busy lives to turn out this very helpful, sound, and interest­mg volume. It will benefit many and be the cause of great good. * * * * Guild Notes A new Catholic P h ysicians' Guild has become affiliated with theFederation. Thirty members comprise the group in Sioux Falls, SouthDakota. A hearty welcome is extended. Bishop-Elect Lambert A. Hoch isthe Guild's Moderator and the Officers are: President W E Do l M , . . na 1oe.· D.; Vice-President, A. P. Reding, M. D., and Secretary-Treasurer, c . .J.McDonald, M. D.* * * * In answer to our request for interesting "high-lights" of Guild activitiesthe mail brought an account of the Catholic Physicians' Guild of WilminotonDelaware. "' The group there began through the Cana movement. It was decided tc m�et on:e. a month and Fir�t Friday was chosen as a significant and appro·pr1ate bme. Tl�e _doctors wives have realized that finally their time-presser husban�s have Jomed something to bring them together when all their otherprofess10nal or religious activities take them away from home alone. "We began the organization," Dr. John .J. Graff, the Guild's Presidentgoes on to. state, "Feeling that if only we and our marriage benefitted, th,who�e pro�ect would not be in vain. The majority of meetings has consistec'0� d1scuss10n led by assigned couples on topics doctors and their wives coul,:discuss. The subjects included: Extreme Unction, Nuptial Mass Famil ..Pra)'.e�, Emer�ency Baptism, Benefits of Illness, Earliest Reli�ion an:!Med1cme,. Burial of notable parts and fetus, Sex Instruction-Christophe<'Records, Personal Reactions to a Cana Conference."�or�al meetings of the Guild have been held and the medical confr8-termty m Wilmington invited. l.�ev. James J. Hayden of Washington, D. C. spoke on Psychiatry an lre 1g10n to · · t · · . a JOm meetmg with a large lay Book Forum in the city. R . Franc s C 11 dd e, · 1 onne a ressed a group of clergy and doctors on Euthanasia. ,\pro.posed �doption law was presented for the Guild's formal approval and:�ir _published support proved most newsworthy. Of all their activities inilmmgton, the doctors feel their Cana Conference the most worthwhil< '.THE LINACRE QL�•HERLY BB (Dr. Graff enclosed eopy of letters u ed in promotion of the tirst CanaConference. _Interested groups may haYe �ample upon request t.o the CentralOffice of the Federation, 1438 So. Grand Bh-d., St. Louis 8, ::\1issouri. )* * * * An interesting meeting is reported by the Guild of St. Luke of Boston-apanel discussion on .Juvenile Delinquency. The Honorable John Connolly,Presiding Justice of the Boston .J m·enile Court conducted the event.Mr. Lawrence Healey, a special agent of the F. B. I. and a member of theMassachusetts and Federal Bar Association made the following observations:In 1940 to 1950 the population increase was 147'0, but the increase incrime was 18o/o.In 1950 there was one crime a minute in the United States.In 1950 (a) youths under 21 years accounted for 15o/o of all personsarrested.(b) 5,1ro of all arrested for robbery were under 25 years of age.( c) 70J'a of all arrested for auto theft. were under 2.5 years of age.The F. B. I. inyestigated crimes when the�, inrnhed interstate problemssuch as transporting stolen autos or goods across state lines. He concludedwith a quotation of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, "There is nothing that developscharacter so well as a pat on the back-if it is applied often enong-h, hardenough and low enough."Mr. Joseph Shea, Chief Probation Officer of the Jm·enile Court, allegedthat a commounity has only as much jm·enile delinquency as it deserves. Healleged that 1 o/o of children of Massachusetts were j uYenile delinquents."Parents are the primary custodians of cl1ildren and too often the courtchild is a child of delinquent parents. He quoted three case histories of theodyssey of delinquent children: Case 1 died of brain tumor; Case 2 wascommitted as insane, and Case 3 was made a stable citizen b:, re-location ofhis environment and developing his interest in photograph�-.Dr. Dennis Haley, Superintendent of the Boston Public Sehool system,enunciated the concern of the schools oYer the problem. He stated that,-"Theteacher starts out in terms of teaching the whole child spiritually, mentallyand physically." In addition to the teache� is a Guidance Counsellor to. guide all, but especially those in need of special assistance. He definedJuvenile Delinquency as a slow gradual change by steps: 1. Disrespect ofparent 2. Disobedience 3. Defiance 4. Tardiness 5. Absenteeism 6, Minoroffenses vs. the law 7. Appearances in Court.Of 500 delinquents, 250 showed the first s�·mptoms between ag-es fin!and seven.

Book Review of \u3cem\u3eMarriage, Morals and Medical Ethics\u3c/em\u3e, by F. L. Good, and Otis F. Kelly

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Book Review of \u3cem\u3eMarriage, Morals and Medical Ethics\u3c/em\u3e, by F. L. Good, and Otis F. Kelly

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